Sheffield United: Blades set for transfer war with British giants

Sheffield United are locked on a collision course with Celtic after the Glaswegian giants entered the chase for Scotland international Gary Mackay-Steven, writes James Shield.

The Star can reveal that Ronny Deila’s side are among the clubs also monitoring Mackay-Steven’s situation after Bramall Lane’s hierarchy had a £100,000 offer rejected by Dundee United’s board of directors earlier this week.

Although they have yet to decide whether to increase their valuation of a player whose contract expires this summer, manager Nigel Clough has told his January transfer targets they should view United as a more desirable destination than many Championship teams.

“I think ourselves and Preston and Bristol City are probably more attractive than of the bottom eight in the Championship,” he said. “There’s a real possibility of us getting promoted this season and they are seeing what we are doing in the cups.

“That helps attract players. Anyone arriving in the next two weeks, if they’re eligible, they’ve got a chance of playing in a Capital One Cup semi-final. That’s a huge incentive.”

United, who face Tottenham Hotspur later this month for the right to face either Chelsea or Liverpool in March’s Wembley showpiece, are sixth in the League One table ahead of tomorrow’s encounter with third placed Preston North End.

Although Celtic can offer Mackay-Steven European football, the 24-year-old has previously expressed a desire to pursue a career in England when he departs Tannadice.